The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

Distribution outside Nepal
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Viet Nam.
Main Threats
• Habitat loss, degradation (due to pollution/
pesticides or over-exploitation) and
fragmentation.
• Decrease of prey species due to competition
with fishermen.
• Poaching for fur and illegal trade.
• Accidental mortality due to entanglement in
fishing equipment.
• Persecution as a pest species.
• Construction of dams.
Conservation Measures in Place
None.
Conservation Recommendations
i) Conduct surveys using direct and indirect survey
methods, including camera traps in suitable habitat
in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, and Shukla
Phanta Wildlife Reserve and in areas of suitable
habitat outside of protected areas to establish
occupancy and population size.
ii) Increase education and awareness programmes
focussing on this species in areas where it occurs
with a strong anti-pollution of waterways message.
iii) Ensure future dam developments are otter/
aquatic animal friendly.
References
Prater 1971, Desai 1974, Foster-Turly 1992, Chetri et.al. 2003, Hwang and Lariviere 2005, Harka Man Lama and
Basu Bidari (pers. comm.) 2010, Nepal Red List of Mammals Field Technicians Workshop 2010, Kafle 2009.
35) Mellivora capensis (Schreber, 1776)
Common Names
Honey Badger (English); Ratel (Nepali)
Species Description
Broad streak of silver-grey from the crown to base of
the tail, has a short snout and coarse yet glossy black
fur. The species has small ears and large claws.
Species Ecology
The Honey Badger inhabits the dense forests,
grasslands, undulating grounds and scrub forests
of the foothills in Nepal. This species feeds on other
mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit and honey.
The reproductive traits of this species are not well
known. Mating has been recorded throughout the
year and gestation periods have been estimated
between six weeks to six months, after which a
litter of two young is produced.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Endangered C2a(ii)
Rationale for assessment: The Honey badger
(Mellivora capensis) has been assessed as
Endangered under criterion C as the population is
estimated to consist of fewer than 100 individuals
with fewer than 50 mature individuals existing in
any one sub-population. The population is
anticipated to experience further declines due to
habitat loss and persecution, which are considered
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